Country Music Icon Turns Heads with Surprise Visit to WNBA Team
Country Music Icon Turns Heads with Surprise Visit to WNBA Team
Madz DizonFri, May 1, 2026 at 3:48 AM UTC
0
A surprise visit from country music star Blake Shelton sent excitement through the Indiana Fever this week, as players reacted with smiles, laughter and even a little starstruck disbelief during practice.
The Fever shared the moment on Instagram, showing Shelton walking into the gym and greeting players mid-session. Guard Sophie Cunningham had the most memorable reaction, rushing toward Shelton with visible excitement as her teammates looked on.
“I just lost all focus,” Cunningham said in the video, capturing the lighthearted mood of the visit.
The team later posted the clip with the caption: “He’s a Fever girl!” ❤️🔥 Blake Shelton stopped by practice today after announcing that Ole Red is coming to downtown Indianapolis in late 2027.
Shelton’s appearance came shortly after he confirmed that his Ole Red bar and live music venue will open in downtown Indianapolis in 2027. The announcement has already created buzz in the city, and his visit to the Fever added even more excitement around the team.
Blake Shelton performs onstage during the 28th Family Film and TV Awards at Associated Television Int'l Studios.Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Family Film and TV Awards
During practice, Shelton took time to greet players and pose for photos with Cunningham, star guard Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull and head coach Stephanie White. The Fever also gifted him a custom team jersey with the number 7 on the back.
“I got my fit. That’s right,” Shelton said while holding the jersey.
Cunningham, clearly thrilled, added, “He’s a Fever girl!”
The interaction quickly became a viral moment among fans, who flooded social media with reactions.
One fan wrote, “So jealous! He is such an awesome person!”
Advertisement
Another added, “Blake is ahhhhmazzzingggg!!!!!!😍”
Others chimed in with messages like “That’s awesome! Blake is the best!! ❤️❤️” and “Oh wow! Love this!”
One comment perfectly summed up Cunningham’s reaction: “Sophie almost about to pass out!!! Then ‘bye Blake’ then hook shot over her head w the bb so cute!”
Another fan declared, “🙌🔥❤️ He's a fever now.”
While the entire team enjoyed the visit, Cunningham stood out as the most excited. The 29-year-old guard, who has openly shared her love for country music, couldn’t hide her admiration.
She later doubled down on her reaction in the comments, writing: “I don’t fan girl over anyone BUT Blake Shelton 🔥 hands down the best.”
Her enthusiasm comes as she prepares for a fresh WNBA season after re-signing with the Fever on a one-year deal. Despite dealing with a knee injury last season, Cunningham remains focused on helping the team compete at a high level.
The Fever, known for drawing large crowds and a growing fanbase, has become a hotspot for celebrity visits. With more than 17,000 fans regularly filling Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the team continues to gain attention beyond basketball.
As Shelton left the court, Cunningham was still smiling, even tossing a playful basketball shot behind her as she walked away, one last sign of how much the moment meant.
Related: Blake Shelton Felt Destined to Record His Unforgettable 2011 No. 1 Country Love Classic
This story was originally published by Parade on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
